While driving on highway over 60 MPH, on october 18, 2019 at approximately 19:30 california time, wrench symbol appeared, and I lost acceleration. There could have been a terrible accident, but I had difficult time to pull over. Diagnosis shown that throttle actuator a control system ' stuck open. On october 19, 2019 at 13:39 california time, I called Ford and asked them to replace the…
2013 Ford Taurus engine problems
severe 49 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
49
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
2fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 49 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Ford Taurus, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 49 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 14 model years of Ford Taurus in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2013 Ford Taurus has serious engine reliability issues including water pump failures (45K–114K miles) that destroy the engine, throttle power loss on highways, persistent stalling, and at least two documented engine fires with no warning. Expect expensive repairs, denied coverage, and safety risks from sudden power loss at speed.
The 2013 Ford Taurus engine failures fall into several distinct patterns. Catalytic converter issues produce P0420 codes (catalyst system efficiency) appearing shortly after dealer service, sometimes tied to police interceptor units mentioned in recalls 19M01 and 19E02. Owners report the check engine light turning on repeatedly even after dealer inspections claim nothing is wrong.
Throttle body and power loss events are the most dangerous. Drivers lose acceleration at highway speeds (55–70 mph), with the wrench symbol or malfunction light illuminating. The vehicle enters limp mode or requires restart to resume normal operation. Diagnostic code P2111 and P2112 appear intermittently; dealers struggle to replicate the fault. One owner reports this identical issue in a 2011 Fusion covered under NHTSA PE13003.
Water pump failures happen as early as 45,000–48,000 miles, though most cluster around 76,000–114,000 miles. The pump leaks internally into the crankcase, contaminating oil and destroying the engine. Owners describe sudden overheating, coolant spraying from the reservoir, and repair quotes exceeding $1,900–$5,000 because Ford mounted the pump inside the engine block. Multiple owners note Ford was backorder-stocked on pumps, suggesting known widespread failure.
Engine fire incidents occur with minimal warning. Two owners report complete combustion under the hood within minutes of parking, with totaled vehicles and no manufacturer response despite warranty coverage.
Stalling events happen at stops, turns, or highway speeds with no warning. Some recur after restart; others persist despite dealer visits and extended warranties. Related failures include fuel pump, mass air flow sensor, timing chain damage, and oil pressure sending unit problems. Engine block cracking was confirmed in at least one case with no freezing conditions present.
Same Ford Taurus engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Catalytic converter efficiency loss (P0420)
Check engine light illuminates with P0420 code (catalyst system low efficiency). Appears in 2013 police interceptor units and civilian models. Problem persists or recurs despite dealer inspection and exhaust system service.
When: 80,000 miles typical; can appear shortly after routine service
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on; P0420 diagnostic code; Engine runs normally otherwise
Codes mentioned: P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers initially refuse repair or claim defeat; catalytic converter replacement quoted but disputed ownership responsibility
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Satisfaction Program 19M01 and Emission Recall 19E02 for certain 2013–2018 police interceptor utilities with 3.7L engines; civilians may not be covered
Throttle body malfunction and power loss
Engine loses acceleration and enters limp mode on highway. Wrench symbol or malfunction light illuminates. Vehicle requires restart to resume normal operation. Fault code P2111 (throttle actuator control) and P2112 appear intermittently or not at all, frustrating dealer diagnosis.
When: 34,900–94,000 miles; occurs repeatedly over weeks/months
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration at highway speeds (40–70 mph); Wrench symbol or malfunction indicator light; Rough idle or stalling after loss of power; Vehicle enters limp mode; Jerking sensation when attempting to accelerate
Codes mentioned: P2111, P2112
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body connector maintenance attempted; throttle body replacement recommended but not always completed. Soft codes reset themselves, complicating dealer reproduction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Satisfaction Program 13N03 (Supplement #1, throttle body extended coverage, dated March 5, 2014); some owners report Ford denied coverage despite extended warranty; dealer claim denial documented
Water pump internal failure with coolant contamination
Water pump fails internally, leaking coolant into the engine crankcase and destroying the engine. Failure occurs at low mileage (45,000–114,000 miles) due to flawed design with pump mounted inside engine block. Owners report little to no warning before catastrophic failure.
When: 45,000–114,000 miles; most failures 76,000–90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leaking or spewing; Overheating warning light; Coolant reservoir cracking or deforming; Engine stalling after coolant enters oil; Timing chain fracture secondary to water intrusion; Engine block cracking in some cases
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $1,900–$5,000+ due to internal mounting. One owner reports water pump failure five separate times on the same vehicle; Ford was backorder-stocked on pumps suggesting systemic awareness.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread complaints and Ford's known inventory backorder. Manufacturer referred some contacts to NHTSA hotline; warranty denial common on out-of-warranty vehicles
Engine fire with minimal warning
Engine catches fire under the hood within minutes of normal operation or after parking, with complete vehicle loss. Owners report minimal or no warning signs (no check engine light, no overheating indicator prior to ignition).
When: Less than 33,000 miles; at 4 years old
Symptoms owners cite: Popping sound from engine; Smoke smell and then visible smoke/flames from hood; Service soon warning light flashes; Vehicle may exhibit sudden power loss before fire
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss in both documented cases. One owner had extended warranty but manufacturer and dealership denied responsibility; insurance subrogated to Ford with no known resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance provided by Ford or dealership; manufacturer showed no interest in investigating vehicle cause
Engine stalling without warning
Engine shuts down without warning while driving at various speeds or while stationary. Stalling often recurs despite restart or dealer service. No clear diagnostic code pattern; may be tied to fuel system, throttle, or ignition.
When: 45,000–149,000 miles; occurs repeatedly over time
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power; Vehicle stalls at stops, red lights, or during acceleration; Stalling can occur at any speed (5–70 mph); Occasional no-start condition; Intermittent rough idle before stall
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Mass air flow sensor replacement did not resolve one failure; timing chain and valve replacement needed in another. Freeze plug and water pump involvement noted in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred some contacts to NHTSA; no recalls confirmed for stalling on civilian Taurus; police interceptor shifter stall issue documented on 2013–2014 units when changing gears at low speed
Fuel system issues and acceleration hesitation
Check engine light and hesitation or inability to accelerate properly. Some ties to fuel pump failure and electric module defects referenced in recalls 16V621000 and 15V812000, though dealers fail to honor them.
When: 52,000–100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Hesitation or inability to accelerate when depressing pedal; Excess dark gray smoke from tailpipe; Vehicle stalls without warning; Fuel pump fails to start vehicle
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump and electric module replaced; catalytic converter replacement also documented. One dealer refused to honor recalls 16V621000 or 15V812000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 16V621000 (fuel system, gasoline) issued but parts unavailable at dealer; recall 15V812000 referenced; manufacturer unable to provide timelines for parts; one dealer (Salinas Valley Ford) did not honor recalls
Oil pressure warning and PCV valve failure
Oil pressure warning light illuminates while driving. Diagnosis reveals damaged oil pressure sending unit and/or PCV valve requiring replacement.
When: 88,000 miles; failure recurred post-repair
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light illuminated; Failure recurs even after replacement
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pressure sending unit and PCV valve replaced at Westway Ford; parts failed again without subsequent repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case number CAS14131690 issued but no resolution documented
Synthesized from 49 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Car stalls at red lights/stop signs. Even when put in park at a stop. Car will restart. No check engine light. No warning.
Component in fuel pump electric module failed and fuel pump failed and both replaced. Salinas valley Ford did not honor recall number 16v621000 or 15v812000 covering these equipment failures. They are or should be covered by the recall notices sent in 2105 and 2015. Drove car to place of employment and it failed to start at end of the day.
Had engine trouble with your 2013 Ford Taurus?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 Ford Taurus?
It's a meaningful issue. 49 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 41 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 47,600 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 47,600; a quarter make it past 85,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/Taurus.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.